Profile of the Silver Dog: Weimaraner

Weimaraners are friendly, courageous, disciplined, and obedient dogs manifesting a very striking appearance.  “Silver dog Ghosts’ has become their title, because of their amazing silver-gray fur, people get easily delighted by these canines. Enhanced by their mesmerizing amber eyes, and you’ll immediately want to take them home. These canines were once originally bred to be a sportsman’s companion; they were built to hunt deer and bear as well, but today; these elegant dogs can still be found on hunting grounds. However, they really are exceptional to become your ideal family companion and a loyal friend. 

Now, you may be eager to affirm if getting a Weimaraner dog in your life is a great idea; and what way to confirm this is by knowing all there is to know about this type of canine. You are in the right place; and keep on reading as we’ll explore every essential information covering this other, exceptional dog breed. Let’s get started!

Weimaraner: Breed Overview 

Weimaraners are large dogs that were originally bred for hunting intention, during the early 19th century. At some point, large game has become irrelevant. For this reason, Weimaraners then have a pursuit of hounding smaller animals, ordinarily; they take interest in fowls, rabbits, and foxes. 

Weimaraners are what you can call an all-purpose gun dog. The key traits of these canines are speed, stamina, great sense of smell, sharp sight as well as outstanding intelligence. Silver Ghost’s title comes from their ghostly coat, and eye color alongside their tall disposition manifesting a stealthy hunting style. 

Their appearance is athletic. Traditionally, the tails are docked. In countries where this is still displaced out; the dock tails of Weimaraners should measure accurately 6 inches in the full-grown dog. These dogs are muscular and possess big ears that hang down on the sides of their rather chiseled heads. And of course, the star of the show is their unique gray coat; which ranges from being mouse gray to silver gray.

Their coat is smooth, short, and can occasionally manifest white markings located on their chest. Noses stand pointed in dark gray color, and the insides of their ears and lips are vibrant pink. Tackling the eyes; Weimaraner puppies are known for having these signature light blue eyes; that color shifts as they began to age, ranging from being amber or gray-blue. Lastly, their weight stands to be between 55-90 pounds; with male ones generally bigger female counterparts of these canines are 24 inches in height, while males stand taller at 25-27 inches, on average. 

History of Weimaramers 

While most of the sporting dogs we know trace their heritage back several centuries; Weimaraner dogs are more so, a recent addition. With certainty, it is affirmed that the breed of these canines originated in Germany; and it exists in the 18th century. Nobility in and around Weir, Germany has paved the way for creating the ultimate sporting dog. It is believed that they relied on both French and German sporting dogs; in hopes of creating the silvery sporting canine, and they succeeded; and they were now standing as the Weimaraners. 

Taking a look at the confirmation of this German-bred dog; it is not a far stretch to believe that early antecedents of the canines relied heavily on the GSP, or German short-haired pointer. The outsize ears and soulful eyes of a Weimaraner puppy, surely fit in the characteristic elements of bloodhounds. Hence, at any rate, the result of this breeding initiative undoubtedly produced an eager and intelligent hunting dog that was intended to exist for large game; including bears and wolves. 

Over time, the breed also became widely known to be gun dogs; that are adept in pointing and retrieving game birds. After some time; with much persistence, a man named Howard Knight has made it doable to merchandise the first procreating Weimaraners in the United States. The time was 1938 and only four years after that, the breed gained American Kennel Club recognition. 

Weimaraners after that recognition has become overly demanded all over the world; and parts of their popularity take account of the work of photographer William Wegman. In the 1970s; Wegman became a buzz trend because of capturing his personal pet Weimaraners in all modes of human fashion and function. The photographer’s dog has sported everything, ranging from farming clothes to elegant haute couture garments. Without a doubt the arresting gaze of these canines makes them seem human, which immediately draws people; as really, their physical disposition is quite exceptional. But more important than their looks is their behaviors and personalities that make them irresistible; which will be discussed soon after. 

Behaviors and Personality Weimaraners Have

Weimaraners are active and energetic dogs

Weimaraners are high-energy dogs that have demanding physical movement and mental stimulation requirements for them to be happy. Most dog enthusiasts say that these canines are perfect matches for those leading a very active lifestyle. They’d make a great exercise partner, more so, they excel in dog sports too! 

Weimaraners are fond of outdoor activities

Running, biking, hiking, fieldwork as well as swimming are the top 5 outdoor activities that are well-loved by Weimaraners. If those are your top 5 as well, then having a dog companion will make those activities 100 times better. They also are intelligent and with their obedience comes a smooth sailing series of outdoor activities. 

Weimaraners are obedient 

Speaking of being obedient; Weimaraners are known for being respectful and being mindful of rules, policies, and practices their owners expect them to exercise. This is why they are very advantageous as they are easily trainable. Aside from that, they will not give you a headache as they are not destructive, aggressive nor territorial. Bonus point as they do not like to chase strangers as well; that is oftentimes a dilemma on owning a dog. 

Weimaraners are intelligent 

Weimaraners are notorious for remembering commands without in-depth practice. They are also fond of solving puzzle toys, and they do so with a high sense of competitiveness. For training and dog courses?

They are also highly emotionally intelligent, as they often would snuggle if they sense you are having a bad day; and they would stand by your luggage if you are leaving. They are also fond of waiting for you to come home and initiating play when you look lively and happy.

Weimaraners are alert 

Weimaraners are observers of their surroundings, and if they sense something unknown, they stand tall, preparing in case it is a threat. This is why they make both good guard dogs and watch dogs because they have keen senses and just in general caring because they manifest a very affectionate nature for their human companion. 

Weimaraners can possess independent tendencies

Weimaraners, because of how highly capable they are of doing anything, have grown to be quite intelligent. They can at times do things on their own, such as feeding themselves, having fun with themselves, they can mentally stimulate themselves without needing anyone! In case their owner is busy on a task, these dogs will just observe and be content with their own not needing any attention. 

Weimaraners are affectionate

So far we have established that Weimaraners are strong, based on all the above traits, however, these pooches are soft boys and girls on the inside. While they do manifest being adventurous, it does not mean they are not down for cuddling and gentle petting. 

Weimaraners are friendly

Weimaraners are friendly, in the context of meeting family, friends, and other house pets they own. They can get relatively extroverted and at times would feel the need to be the life of the party. They are very welcoming, but with limitations on complete strangers. In that case, they will not think a thing or two to bark at them, sometimes aggressively. 

Weimaraners are a mixture of quiet and loud dogs

Weimaraners are undoubtedly quiet dogs, most of the days, but they do bark at times, and it is often their main resource of communication. They can bark when they are happy, excited, trying to get your attention if they are anxious, and many more instances.

 Weimaraners are highly adaptable 

Lastly, Weimaraners can fit into any lifestyle. They do well both in small apartment settings and big houses and subdivisions. They thrive in cold, alongside humid weather. Not only that, but they survive in small, medium, and large groups of family, be it if it is containing children, elderlies, or other animals. They do not stress about changes. 

Basic Care Guide for Weimaraners

Part 1: Grooming 

As a short-haired breed, Weimaraners are extremely easy to maintain, their coats only require you to conduct a weekly brushing. This is to prevent shedding and their glossy coat to undergo matting.

Owners should also pay attention to Weimaraners ears and nails. Ears are ought for regular checking to prevent excessive earwax buildup, dirt, and other debris. Prompt removal of these substances plays a vital role in keeping Weimaraners’ health, as it prevents sores and infections. Regular nail trimming is also vital, as these canines’ nails are known to grow quicker than most breeds. Failure to do so can be a pathway for serious injuries, as long nails can become snagged on various objects over time. These three dental issues are extremely painful and challenging, and unfortunately can be detrimental to your dog’s overall health. 

Part 2: Exercise and Training Needs 

Weimaraners need approximately two hours of exercise given on a daily basis. Chives of exercise can be running, jogging, or playing games. You can increase the intensity gradually. It is a prerequisite that you are also leading an active lifestyle, so you can include them in your workouts or outdoor activities. 

Aside from physical stimulation, Weimaraners also demand a great deal of mental stimulation, to please their boredom. A wide array of tricks and commands are ought to keep their mind active and going. Also, you can never go wrong with giving them puzzle toys. 

Weimaraners are easy to train, with their intelligence they also learn quickly, and they do possess a general desire to please. With all of these, when you get your own Weimaraners you can immediately start them on obedience training, so you’ll be able to hone a well, good-natured dog growing up. It will also strengthen the dynamic of your relationship. 

Part 3: Nutritional Needs 

While it is certainly tempting to provide your Weimaraner with your leftover foods as well as table scraps, veterinarians warn that these foods may contain substances and toxins that can be prejudicious to your dog’s health over time. Particularly, foods with preservatives alongside fatty substances can significantly decrease your dog’s life expectancy. Here are detailed foods you should never give to a Weimaraner. 

• Chocolate
• Fatty meats
• Foods containing high sodium level
• Dairy products
• Raw meats eggs and fish 
• Candy
• Grapes and raisins
• Garlics and onions
• Sugary foods 
• Avocados

Feeding requirements for Weimaraners vary significantly on their personal weight, energy levels alongside age. For this reason, owners should work actively with their veterinarian in seeking an accurate feeding cycle that greatly suits their dog’s specific needs. However, in general discussion, an adult Weimaraner usually has 2 to 3 cups of dry dog food fed each day, divided into two separate meals of 1.5 cups each serving.

Part 4: Water Needs

Aside from quality nutritious food, maintaining proper hydration is also vital for Weimaraners. Nearly 70 percent of a dog’s body is water, therefore owners need to pay active attention to making sure it meets that. Water needs change, in response to both outside temperatures, and in respect to your dog’s daily activities, thus replenishing it is a must. Owners should give their dog at least 60 ounces of water, distributed at different times of the day. 

To ensure that your Weimaraner is well hydrated, symptoms of dehydration must be gone out of sight, and they are: 

• Poor appetite
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Reduced energy
• Extreme panting
• Sunken eyes
• Dry nose together with gums
• Thicker saliva 

Part 5: Added Tips 

• Keep them company and consider their welfare in your decisions 
• Praise their goodness and be firm if they suffer in trouble 
• Socialize your Weimaraner with other animals and people. 
• Give them chew toys, weimaraners loves to chew 
• Learning a dog’s body languages can equip you to know their feelings 
• Learn how to give your Weimaraner a dog massage as it ought to relieve stress, and is a great relaxing time for them as well. 
• Make home-cooked treats for your Weimaraner and add a personal touch
• Craft a daily schedule that ought to make your dog feel their absolute best
• Always learn with your dog, be it a new command, new tricks, new sport, or game to try on
• Lastly, give your Weimaraner a job, either a good retriever, a therapy worker, a cuddling expert for you, or a babysitter. 

Health Considerations of Weimaraners

Although Weimaraner dogs are generally healthy, active, and strong, they may suffer from specific genetic problems.

Gastric torsion 

A common issue of giant and large dog breeds, Gastric torsion is when dogs overfill their stomach with either food and liquid, and especially if they subsequently exercise, run or do playtime, this organ will eventually dilate as the ligaments alongside muscles cannot hold excessive weight. 

The dilation and the movement cause the stomach to turn itself or twist. As a result, blood vessels may not function properly. If you find your Weimaraner has eaten or drunk too much, has run or jumped, and soon starts trying to vomit, become listless, or if you notice their belly starting to bloat, go immediately to the vet. For everyday intervention, do not overlook their mealtime, and do not immediately engage in playtime not until 1 hour has passed. 

Skin tumors 

Weimaraner dogs are also vulnerable to certain types of skin tumors, most commonly, they might acquire hemangioma as well as hemangiosarcoma. If you detect any lumps in your dog’s skin, do schedule them for a vet consultation to aid medicinal intervention. 

Spinal dysraphism 

Spinal dysraphism is a term that encompasses various types of health issues concerning the spine, of the spinal canal in the mid-dorsal septum alongside the neural tube of the fetus. These concerns can affect your dog’s health, in various ways.

Distichiasis and entropion 

This is not a disease, alternatively, it is a condition that manifests in Weimaraner puppies. Distichiasis or double lashes is determined by two rows of eyelashes in a single eyelid. It usually occurs in the lower eyelid, though it can also appear in the upper side or both. The main problem with this condition, is excessive eyelashes produce rubbing on the cornea and excessive tearing. The constant irradiation of the cornea often opens a pathway to eye infections, together with entropion. 

Entropion 

Entropion happens when excessive and too-long eyelashes end up producing irritation, minor wounds, and even swelling of the eyes. It can also be when the eyelid folds inward the eye, producing pain and significantly reducing the dog’s visibility. If not medically intervened, entropion can cause the cornea to be unrecoverable. 

For this reason, the carefulness with your Weimaramer’s eye hygiene and health should be one of your priorities. 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Weimaraners

Do Weimaraners keep their blue eyes?

No, the color of their eye changes as they mature. From blue, it turns to gray, amber, or blue-gray. 

Are Weimaraners excellent family dogs, good with children, elderlies, and other pets? 

Yes, yes, yes and yes. Weimaraners sum up what it’s like to be people-oriented. 

Are Weimaraners aggressive?

Generally no, but in instances when they are threatened, aggressiveness can occur.

Do Weimaraners bark a lot? 

Yes and no. It depends on the circumstance, and again if they feel threatened or unsafe, they can bark a lot. And even in simpler circumstances. They can be very unpredictable when it comes to this topic. 

Do Weimaraners suffer from separation anxiety? 

They can be vulnerable to having separation anxiety, like any other dog breed, when they are left alone enough to send them in a spiral of thinking they have been abandoned. 

What do Weimaraners prefer, to be a good house dog or out in the wild? 

Because they are hunter dogs, and their keen sense for adventure is always skyrocketing, of course, they will prefer to be out in the wild. This is just the way these canines are. 

Is a Weimaraner well suited for a first-time dog owner? 

No, we believe not. This is because of their high exercise need alongside needy mental stimulation. They are very strong and well suited in those having the first experience in dog raising already and generally prefer active living.